Would you buy a tube amp if you were unable to use vintage tubes in it ?

ghdprentice, it is always a good idea to have a back up set.

I don’t think you need to go so low, 115 volts would be within any specified operating voltage and it would be significantly gentler on tubes.  Too low and performance may suffer and might actually be a problem if your amp has voltage regulators.  The person I know who set voltage at 100, knows what he is doing and can adjust other operating parameters of his gear.  Some amps do run small signal tubes hard too, but that is not usually a big concern.  There are some who don’t use these tubes as drivers for the 300B because they may not have enough grunt (or may be pushed a little hard to deliver sufficient output), but many amps do use these tubes as drivers.  The subject is complicated, as some amps use interstage transformers which reduce the need for grunt from the driver.  Hence, it is hard to generalize.

In order to determine life expectancy good to know plate voltages, ask amp manufacturer or measure plate voltages. Soft start circuits will also extend life, in rush current can be hard on tubes.

@steakster So, what are those things that look like space heaters with rows of piezo tweeters across the top? Subs? I bet you’re also going to tell me all of your equipment is so esoteric that I’ve never heard of any of it with the exception of the bargain priced Denon CD player you’ve got there. The Denon built tray in my McIntosh transport whole sales for more than that. The after photo of your cable routing is worse than the before and what’s all the blue tape stuck here and there on the loose wires? I hope you keep a fire extinguisher handy!

faustuss

 Further I think all the suggestions regarding tube "rolling" is a little insane . . . What a crock!

I nearly spit out my coffee when I read that comment.  LOL. Another flat-earther’s credibility shot to hell.

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The best location for my JJ 12AU7’s in the storage closet.

 

If you can't hear the difference between say an Amperex Bugle Boy 12AX& and a vintage Telefunken ECC803s and current manufacture tubes, either there is something wrong with your gear, or your ears, or both.  I don't go crazy with tube rolling myself, but I do hear substantial differences.  So much of what is right is a matter of matching a system and personal taste.  The only 12AX7, or similar tube type, that I run in my system are the vintage ECC803s tubes in my phono stage.  A good friend of mine cannot stand that, or any other Telefunken tube.  Tastes do differ.